Learning theories

Question 1

What is operant conditioning?

Answer 1

• learning by association and connection
• behaviour shaped through reinforcement
• trial and error heavily featured

Question 2

How is reinforcement used in operant conditioning?

Answer 2

• if behaviour is desired positive reinforcement is given strengthening SR bond
• if the skill is incorrect negative reinforcement/ punishment is given weakening SR bond

Question 3

What is thorndike’s law?

Answer 3

the responce should be practiced and rehearsed and the performer must be physically and mentally ready for reinforcement

Question 4

What is the cognitive learning theory?

Answer 4

• gestalist approach
• involves whole learning (considering complete skill)
• problem solving and drawing upon past experience to solve new problems

Question 5

How do intervening variables feature in the cognitive learning theory?

Answer 5

intervening variables are taken into account by the learner, taking place between the stimulus and responce

Question 6

What is an example of the cognitive learning theory?

Answer 6

a swimmer practicing a breaststroke as a whole

Question 7

What are some advantages of the cognitive learning theory?

Answer 7

• performer develops better understanding
• helps performer with problem solving
• learning a skill as a whole helps develop kinaesthesis

Question 8

What are some disadvantages of the cognitive learning theory?

Answer 8

• performer might not have past experience to draw on
• might lose motivation
• would be unsafe and to complex for cognitive stage learners

Question 9

What does the social learning theory state and what is it based of?

Answer 9

states are behaviour is formed by copying others

based of the bobo doll experiment

Question 10

When is copying more likely to occur in the social learning theory?

Answer 10

• if a significant other is observed
• if reinforcement takes place

Question 11

What are the stages of the social learning theory?

Answer 11

• demo
• attention
• retention
• motor reproduction
• motivation
• performance

Question 12

How can demos be made affective through the social learning theory?

Answer 12

• highlight key points
• be repeated to build schemas
• technically accurate
• given by a role model or significant other with many similar attributes

Question 13

What does the attention part of the social learning theory involve?

Answer 13

the learner focusing on the demo and important coaching points being cued

Question 14

What does the retention part of the social learning theory involve?

Answer 14

mental images being created by the learner due to repeated demos building schemas

Question 15

What does the motor reproduction, motivation and performance part of the social learning theory involve?

Answer 15

the learner must be capable of reproducing the demo

motivation consists of the performer having the desire to succeed

Question 16

What does the performance part of the social learning theory involve?

Answer 16

performance is what is produced aiming to match the demo

Question 17

How does learner type affect the social learning theory?

Answer 17

• cognitive learners that are beginners may not be able to execute the skill successfully
• skills require conscious thought and trial and error with mistakes being made (particularly for begginers)